The first NFL Sunday has officially wrapped up and we have a clearer outlook on each team for the 2024 season. We saw division rivals, former teammates, and former coaches all face each other in an exciting 1st week of football. Here are some of the biggest winners and losers from Sunday’s games.
Jump to a Team
Winners
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers were being disrespected coming into 2024 after winning the NFC South in 2023. In their first game of the year, they absolutely torched the Washington Commanders for 60 minutes. The loss of OC Dave Canales was supposed to lead to regression but all we saw were fireworks. Baker Mayfield had 289 yards and 4 touchdowns while Mike Evans caught 2 of those touchdowns. The Bucs should be the favorites to win the south for now
New Orleans Saints
The Saints destroyed the Panthers on Sunday. The final score of the game was 47-10, one of the largest blowouts on opening weekend in NFL history. The Saint dominated in all 3 phases of the game. Derek Carr had 200 passing yards and 3 touchdowns in the win while the defense forced 2 interceptions. The Saints look ready to go for the 2024 season.
Houston Texans
The new look Houston Texans got a huge win against their division rival the Indianapolis Colts. RB Joe Mixon is a great addition to this team adding another dimension to this offense. If they stay balanced throughout the regular season it will free up their star wide receivers in the passing game. QB C.J. Stroud possess the maturity of a veteran with his decision making and is quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s best.
Detroit Lions
The Lions won an emotional opening night game against the Rams in a playoff rematch. The offense was very effective and now with the breakout performance of WR Jameson Williams they finally have a deep threat. Their defense got after the Rams weakened offensive line but their secondary still struggled. The Lions made the “Winners” category for getting a gutsy win against another projected playoff team.
Losers
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals always seem to start slow out of the gates but we all thought against a poor Patriots team they would win this one. We were all wrong. The Bengals offense mustered only 10 points and Joe Burrow finished under 200 passing yards. They better figure things out quick or next week against the Chiefs could get ugly.
Atlanta Falcons
In what was supposed to be an exciting showing of the new look Falcons, they were a disaster. The Falcons were brutal on offense with Kirk Cousins poor decision making and the offensive line refusing to block. Continuity and chemistry will go a long way in helping this offense perform better down the stretch.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns defense played very well in their loss; this is more directed towards the offensive side of the ball. QB Deshaun Watson has not been the same guy since he left Houston, and it is time to be concerned. Without a good Watson this team’s super bowl hopes seem slim. They need to get healthy on the offensive line and that might help improve Watson’s play as well.
Carolina Panthers
It is hard to describe how bad the Panthers were on Sunday. Head Coach Dave Canales needs to step up and find a way to get this team to play inspiring football. QB Bryce Young still looks like he has yet to take a step forward that many were expecting from him this season.